LAKELAND, FL (March 3, 2015) - Fencing is currently being installed in preparation of a City of Lakeland Lakes & Stormwater project on the north side of Lake Hollingsworth at Southern Landings (across from Florida Southern College).

The City of Lakeland is planning to complete repairs to the stormwater detention pond along the boardwalk at the Southern Landings. The activities planned include the removal and replacement of a failed concrete weir structure. The replacement of the weir is essential for the stormwater pond to function properly.

Weirs are designed to alter flow characteristics of water bodies. In most cases, weirs take the form of obstructions that pool water behind them while also allowing the water to flow steadily over their tops. Weirs are commonly used to prevent flooding and measure discharge.

Construction activities will take place beginning early March 2015. In order to protect the safety of the public, fencing is being installed around the perimeter of the work site, as well as at the entrance to the boardwalk to restrict access to the construction area through the duration of the project.

The fencing is being installed on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 and will be removed as soon as the construction activities are completed. The construction project is scheduled to be completed by the end of March. The City of Lakeland apologizes for any inconvenience the project may have because of the boardwalk being closed to the public during the time of construction.

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There will be a press conference at the Lakeland Police Department (219 N. Massachusetts Avenue) in room 3A at 3 p.m

LAKELAND, FL (February 27, 2015) - The City is disappointed to inform the community that Tony Kirk has withdrawn his application as Assistant Chief of the Lakeland Police Department. Kirk was scheduled to start on Monday, March 2nd. Kirk communicated with Chief Giddens earlier this morning that he was withdrawing his application for Assistant Chief of Police effective at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 27th.

Background investigations for police officers are rigorous and Kirk went through a thorough background check for the Assistant Chief position. It was only during the final stages of the new hire process when inconsistencies involving Kirks’s application arose. Kirk explained that he inadvertently indicated that he had never tried marijuana on his internal new hire paperwork, however during the polygraph process he admitted to trying marijuana when he was 20 years old. The use of marijuana so many years ago would not prevent employment with the Lakeland Police Department. However the inconsistencies between the new hire forms and his later admissions regarding marijuana use triggered concerns.

City Manager Doug Thomas said, “This is a very unfortunate incident and we were looking very forward to Kirk joining our team but our law enforcement personnel are held to a high standard and as insignificant as it may sound, inaccuracies between his application and the polygraph process automatically disqualifies a candidate to move forward.” He added, “I wish we weren’t in this situation and I’m truly saddened for Tony and his family under the circumstances that we now find ourselves in.”

Larry Giddens, Chief of Police said, “I’m deeply disappointed that we came so far and this is an unfortunate conclusion to what I thought was going to be a very good addition to our team at the Lakeland Police Department.” He added, “The Lakeland Police Department is full of honorable men and women and we will continue to move forward in making this Department the very best it can be.”

LAKELAND, FL (February 26, 2015) - The City of Lakeland's Parks & Recreation department and Tropiflora will host an exotic botanical plant show and sale on Saturday, February 28th in Hollis Garden. The event will take place between 10:00AM and 4:00PM and is open to the public. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of plants such as Bromeliads, Succulents, Hoyas, Ferns and Tillandsia air plants.

Tropiflora is among the top producers in the world of collector-grade Bromeliads, Succulents and exotic tropical plants. Based out of Sarasota, Florida, the nursery grows over 7,000 different plant items and has been in business for over 35 years. "We are very fortunate to partner with Tropiflora in offering this great opportunity to the citizens of Lakeland" said Stacy Smith, primary caretaker for Hollis Garden. "Guests will see some of their favorite plants and hopefully discover new and exciting species."

Tropiflora will accept cash, credit or checks for payment. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will go into a perpetual care fund for the maintenance of Hollis Garden.